Taking lessons from Ukraine, Taiwan reinforces its defences

To keep itself battle-ready, Taiwan has extended compulsory military service to one year now. This would help develop some capacity to fight the mighty and extraordinarily large PLA of China.

The Ukraine war has a lot of learning for an assortment of countries not just in Europe but in East Asia as well. Whereas some countries have learned that a decisive victory is elusive in modern day warfare, some others, especially those that are small and weak against their arch rivals, have started strengthening their defences. Taiwan falls in the latter category as it is facing an existential threat from China.

To defend itself against the Chinese invasion that reports claim could come any month or year, Taiwan is fortifying its strengths. Especially after the Ukraine war, Taiwan knows it's not about how but when is China going to invade and occupy them. Although Taiwan enjoys USA protection in case of invasion, most of the war would be fought by the Taiwanese people.

To prepare themselves they have also extended compulsory military service to one year now. This would help develop some capacity to fight the mighty and extraordinarily large PLA of China. Compared to the Chinese PLA, Taiwan's 1,88,000-person military that comprises 90% volunteers does not stand a chance. Taiwan knows it would not stand a chance but it would be a David versus Goliath moment.

Preparedness for any Chinese invasion

According to the news story for South China Morning Post a year into the war, there are clear lessons for Taipei. For instance it could do military reform and follow the principles applied in asymmetric warfare. Needless to say unity and morale plays a vital role in any country defending against the mighty invading army.

Essentially, even President Tsai Ing-wen knows how people matter in the fight against the odds. She in an address had said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine shows how a small country can resist a much bigger attacker. She used the opportunity to introduce the new policy to extend the compulsory military services for the youth of Taiwan.

She was quoted saying that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has passed its 300th day and continues unabated; however, Ukraine has not fallen and according to her it has great implications for Taiwan. Especially when Taiwan is facing growing military threats from China, Taiwan needs to prepare itself for any eventualities.

Not just the Chinese authoritarian regime has warned Taiwan but at the same time it has threatened other countries allying with Taiwan. It gave a clear warning to the US for interfering in its dealings with Taiwan which it considers its own territory.